Six Feet Plunder

I've been hearing some buzz around the Internet about the latest Lupin III movie, The Gravestone of Jigen Daisuke, being a stinker. Considering the recent, sorely-needed changes to the franchise brought about by The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, this was depressing news. I resolved to check out the flick myself via torrent, with the usual justification that I'd buy the eventual hard copy if I enjoyed it. The result was a mixed bag of an experience; some complaints were definitely justified, but I generally had a good time. And the bag had a certain surprise at the bottom...

To get the big complaints out of the way first, this didn't feel like a movie. It was way too short for a cinematic feel, and frankly was too light on the action as well. Given that this was directed by none other than Takeshi Koike of Redline, the OVA-style scope is downright insulting when you consider what he could have filled even 30 extra, well-funded minutes with. And even though the limited runtime allows for few scenes that aren't plot-related exposition (the climax certainly leans toward this), unwanted fat still hangs from a few places. The villain's talent for making mechanical monstrosities has no payoff, for instance, and a scene with Fujiko in peril feels both out of place and too damn long.

The good stuff may be a modest hill facing down these mountainous flaws, but I still think they're worth defending. For instance, I like Lupin's revamped look in general, and here it gives extra style to the sparse action. Sure, it leans heavily towards the Redline look, and Jael Okuzaki looks suspiciously like Gori Rider, but is that really a bad thing? Okuzaki, for his part, was a good villain, credible as a threat and memorable for his appearance and little quirks. Jigen gets to share a little of the spotlight for once, which doesn't happen often enough considering his crucial support role and downplayed romanticism, and no inspector or swordsman was crammed in where he wasn't needed. Finally, I think the movie captured the essence of Lupin and company as just thieves instead of the obligatory thieves with hearts of gold. Despite all its massive flaws, a lot of factors made it at least more memorable than the yearly Castle of Cagliostro wannabes; do we really want to see the gang help out random nobodies we'll never see again again?

And then. Right when you think the movie is over. That scene happens. Here come the spoilers.

We see that the entire incident has been observed by a well-dressed, sickly green little guy known to fans simply as Mamo. There has not, to my knowledge, been such a blatant sequel hook in the episodic Lupin franchise's history, and it forces me to re-examine my earlier criticisms.

Namely, my critique of the plot elements without a clear point is rendered moot because their point can easily be shown in the future. That strange mechanical doll that assaulted Fujiko, which looked to me like a clockwork Titan, may eventually be part of a neat action scene instead of an uncomfortable one. Really, Okuzaki's mechanical expertise could become a threat later in a way it just wasn't here. Who can't see that guy returning as a mini-boss with a robotic arm?

Also, I have to commend the choice to tease this villain over any other. The Mystery of Mamo was a controversial film, but also an unforgettable one. It went way off the rails into sci-fi territory, an area Koike obviously excels in, but this approach was more or less forgotten after Miyazaki wowed everyone with his signature, safer take on Lupin. I look forward to seeing something batshit crazy and unexpected.

To sum things up, The Gravestone of Jigen Daisuke is not exactly a strong film when taken alone, but at least refreshingly different. Its biggest crime is leaving us wanting more, and hopefully we will indeed be getting more and better. I'm staying optimistic on this one. But what are your thoughts on the direction Lupin may be taking? How about on sequel hooks in general; are they a welcome asset to a franchise, or do they diminish its individual films (ooh, here comes a Vietnam flashback to Iron Man 2)? Put your thoughts in the comments!